Excessive heat warning continues for Greater Morristown

HOW HOT IS IT? So hot that some of the light bulbs appear to have melted from the '94 degrees' sign on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
HOW HOT IS IT? So hot that some of the light bulbs appear to have melted from the '94 degrees' sign on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
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HOW HOT IS IT? So hot that some of the light bulbs appear to have melted from the '94 degrees' sign on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
HOW HOT IS IT? So hot that some of the light bulbs appear to have melted from the ’94 degrees’ sign on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

How hot is it?

So hot that some of the light bulbs appear to have melted from the temperature sign over South Street on Sunday afternoon.

As best we can decipher, the sign read “94 degrees” as of 4:45 pm. But it felt more like 100 to 105, according to the National Weather Service, which has issued an  “Excessive Heat Warning”  through 9 pm on Aug. 14, 2016.

A slight–and we mean slight–break is forecast for Monday, when the heat index value should feel more like the 90s.

Then the furnace cranks up again on Tuesday, with the index expected to approach 105 once more.  Real relief may not arrive until Wednesday, according to the weather service.

The Morristown Fire House at 161 Speedwell Ave. is scheduled to serve as a cooling center through 8 pm on Monday. The seniors center at town hall, at 200 South St., will offer the same respite on Monday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.

Elderly persons and those with chronic conditions such as heart or lung disease are at special risk from the oppressive heat and humidity, warns the weather service, which offers these safety tips:

  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Stay in an air-conditioned environment if possible.
  • Stay out of the sun.
  • Check on elderly relatives and neighbors.
  • Children and pets should never be left unattended in a vehicle under any circumstance. (A car interior can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.)
  • Reschedule strenuous activities to the early morning or late evening.
  • Know the signs and symptoms  of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  • Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing.
  • If you must work outdoors…schedule frequent rest breaks in a shaded or air conditioned environment.
  • Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool shaded location.
  • Heat stroke is an emergency…call 9 1 1.

Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

• Headache, dizziness, or fainting
• Weakness and wet skin
• Irritability or confusion
• Thirst, nausea, or vomiting

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

• May be confused, unable to think clearly, pass out, collapse, or have seizures (fits)
• May stop sweating

How to Protect Yourself and Others

• Know signs/symptoms of heat illnesses; monitor yourself; use a buddy system.
• Block out direct sun and other heat sources.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Drink often and BEFORE you are thirsty. Drink water every 15 minutes.
• Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
• Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes.

–Source: The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration

 

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